When coming into a serious conversation with another individual, it is important to know the facts of what you will be speaking about. The presentation should be clear, but not offensive, so that it is still possible to get the point across. It is important to also take time to explain what you are speaking about… That way, you can be sure the other party understands. In some cases, though, it is hard to get other individuals to understand the point you wish to represent to them- those who have already learned one thing, and have been studying and practicing it for a number of years, are usually stuck in their preconceived notions. In the instance of witnessing to a Jehovah’s Witness, the Christian explaining the Biblical truth should be sound in their studies and scriptural knowledge. There are several steps that must be taken in order to have an effective witness.
First, let’s take a look at a few beliefs of a Jehovah’s Witness. A Jehovah’s Witness does not believe that Jesus is Jehovah God. He or she believes that Jesus was the first thing that Jehovah created (Martin). A Jehovah’s Witness believes that Jesus is “the archangel Michael”, who was Satan’s brother (Lewis). He or she also does not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus- he or she believes He was “raised from the dead, not with a physical body, but as a mighty Spirit creature” (Martin). However, if Jehovah God had created Jesus first, and Jesus, or in the Jehovah’s Witnesses eye- Michael, created all other things, it would make Jesus Satan’s father, not Satan’s brother. (Defending) All these beliefs are very different from what Christian’s believe. When witnessing to a Jehovah’s Witness, it is important for Christians to bold, but not offensive, so we may stil...
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witnesses/biblical-response-jehovahs-witnesses>.
If as believers we fail to completely trust the Word of God and form our life under its direction then our witness will become misleading and even confusing. Believer’s effort in diligently understanding, applying and holding full trust to the word of God in all aspects of our life will be instrumental in building our faith. Such a faith will elevate us to enable us rise above the unrelenting wave of our culture’s non-biblical ideologies. Biblical worldview is very important in order to develop a life, which can be emulated by others in diligence, integrity and honesty in the modern society (Tackett, 2014).
Many argue that the bible is out of date and unhelpful for humans today. This is not the case though. The bible is essentially the guidebook to leading a perfect and happy life, and just like you would need to read some sort of manual before constructing a product, so to should you read the bible for guidance on your own life. This is what Jehovah's Witnesses try their best to do, though it is not easy because all humans are imperfect.
I have attended a Christian church my whole life. While I have attended various denominations, I have always considered myself to be non-denominational, not favoring one over the other. The only other churches I have ever attended were Catholic; I have had other family members practice this faith and so have always been a guest with them if I have gone and had the services feel fairly familiar. When we were given the project to go and attend a different religion’s church I wasn’t sure what to expect. I decided to attend a Jewish church since Judaism and Christianity believe some of the same fundamentals but are still separated, I thought it would be a good way to learn more about the church as well as be able to relate better to anyone I know who practices Judaism. Also this taught me what it feels like for someone who does not have any experience in church.
According to dictionary.com (n.d.), Jehovah witnesses are a part of a Christian Sect. Henslin (2012) states that a sect is like a cult, but larger than the cult. Dictionary.com (n.d) states that Jehovah Witnesses were founded in the late nineteenth century, which believes in the imminent destruction of the world’s wickedness and the establishment of a theocracy under God’s rule. Henslin (2012) says that there are one thousand, six hundred members in the United States; this is point seven percent of United States adults. Jehovah witnesses expect a millennium to begin in a couple of years (dictionary.com, n.d.). Jehovah is the only God of Jehovah Witnesses. According to dictionary.com (n.d), Jehovah Witnesses deny the Trinity and consider Jesus to be the greatest of the witnesses of Jehovah.
Jehovah Witnesses is believed to have started by Charles Taze Russell, back in 1872. Russell was told Jesus would be coming back soon and so he started to focus on the Bible. Russell had different ideas of the doctrine and decided to start a class to teach his beliefs and ideas.
Jehovah's witnesses’ faith allows them to seek medical help; however, they do not accept blood transfusions. This belief arises from a biblical passage that states "Only flesh with its soul- its blood-you must not eat (Genesis 9:3-4), "You must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh, because the soul of every sort of flesh is its blood. I will set my face against that person who eats blood...Anyone eating it will be cut off” (Leviticus 17:10, 13-14). These passages are interpreted by Jehovah's witnesses as forbidding the transfusion of any blood products. The following presentation will address legal and ethical issues that can arise from this scenario.
According to a Christian, there is one true God, and he revealed Himself through the Holy trinity, which is made up of three people; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They also believe that God alone created the world and everything that encompasses it from nothing in six days. They believe that the world was good until Adam sinned against God, and now all people are born into sin. They believe that God sent his only son Jesus to save the world from sin and that Jesus died for all their sins and rose from the dead. They believe that the Holy bible is the sacred word before and after Jesus’s time and that they should live by it to please God and thank him for his son. They believe that people are saved by faith through the grace of Jesus Christ.
A situation I had was in theology class from my last semester. I felt uncomfortable because it seemed as though I was not as knowledge even though I did the readings. Most of my classmates already had background knowledge about the bible. In group discussion we talked about themes about the passages. I remember how uncomfortable I felt throwing my opinions on what I thought. So, when I did try to put my thoughts out, I ended up with disagreements with how I was wrong. Even though, I was just sharing a thought not trying to start argument. This almost insecure to speak my thoughts out. I try to find ways to avoid any disagreements. Until, I realized that everyone will not always agree with what I think but I can try to make it possible to invite to speak their thoughts without invalidating their opinions as long as it’s
Looking at his most recent mug shot, no one would guess that Warren Jeffs was once a prophet and leader to a church with nearly ten thousand members; without Warren’s dark brown hair and the suits he commonly wore, Warren could be passed off as any other hardened criminal. Despite the dramatic change in his appearance, it is speculated that the convicted sexual predator still manages to maintain control over his people. While the FLDS Church followers believe that Warren is the one and only mouthpiece of God today; the Jehovah’s Witnesses, on the other hand, have a governing body of seven men that lead their denomination. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is “the oldest and most important of the corporations of the Jehovah's Witnesses”, and the President of the Society used to be part of the governing body. However in October 2000, the current president Don Alden Adams, resigned from the governing body to take on a purely administrative role which has no influence on the doctrine. (WatchTower.org) Adams is considered to be a 50-year veteran of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and like Warren, Adams grew up with his current religion. (Ostling) Don and Warren slightly resemble each other with their long faces, prominent noses and thin framed glasses, however without their shared belief in a god, their appearance is the extent of their likeness. Just as the FLDS Church and the Jehovah’s Witnesses both share a belief in a higher power, they differ greatly in their origin, doctrine, and practices. By comparing these denominations, it will become clear why one is more popular than the other.
The concept of the Deity of Christ is one of great complexity. Numerous students, scholars, theologians and philosophers have studied Christ and His attributes. One of the most asked questions and sought after answers has been thoroughly dissected and examined to be able to even begin comprehending such a mystery. Millions ask: “How can Jesus Christ, the Son of God be one-hundred percent man, and one-hundred percent God at the same time? Also, how is it even possible that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can also be God Himself?”
On the other hand, Christianity traces its origin from Jesus Christ from whom the disciples, at Antioch, were first called Christians due to their manner of living, which was like Jesus Christ’s. Both Christians and Jews believe in one God who is called Jehovah; however, the point of divergence is that while Christians believe in the trinity (that is, God is one substance but three persons in one namely the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the Jews believe in God being just one substance one
Listen even when you feel what the other person is saying isn't important; the likelihood is that it is important to them and you should give them the respect and courtesy of really listening. This also models the respect and courtesy that you would like them to display.
Christians must have faith and be led by the Holy Spirit to share God’s word without fear. Fay states, “There are two basic principles at work when you share Scripture.
Use communication skills effectively, use active listening by listening to the other person and paying close attention to what they are saying, asking questions and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding.
One of the main aspects in communicating is listening. An effective listener is one who, not only comprehends how the speaker feels but, also understands what they are stating. Building a strong connection between the speaker and the listener is one of the first steps to become a good listener. By building this connection speakers should first be in an environment with open minded listeners, it makes them feel more comfortable to state their opinions, feelings and ideas. Listeners should avoid being judgmental. The individual does not have to agree with the ideas, values or opinions of the speaker; however, to fully understand them, one must put aside their criticism. Speakers will believe that they can trust the listeners with their information when they know that they will not be judged. Miscommunication happens frequently, listene...